Work Text:
"Michael."
The thirteenth year old tests the name on his tongue in a whisper, the sound rolling off with ease. He stands in front of the cracked bathroom mirror (his hand still bears the scars from punching it), door closed and lock. Tears fresh and dry are present on his cheeks.
"Michael."
He says the name again, this time louder.
"Michael."
He repeats the name again and again, each time with more and more confidence.
"Michael."
He grins.
"Michael."
This is his new name; this name is the new him, the one who knows who he is- a boy, a man. He is not the girl he was declared at birth, no, instead he is a man, a man with a new name and fresh haircut he had given to himself after breaking down.
"Michael."
His name is Michael and he now knows this. And soon, he decides, his dad will, too.
———
Michael stands tall, as tall as he can, and proud. His dad sits in his desk chair, turning away from his work to look at his son- not that he knows this yet.
"My name is Michael."
William, his dad, raises his eyebrow.
"My name is Michael and I'm a boy."
William doesn't say anything for a minute, seemingly thinking on this new found information. Then, without an ounce of hesitance, he speaks.
"That's great, Michael, but I have work to do. Go ahead and tell your mother."
Michael nods with a grin splayed across his lips.
"Oh, and have her fix up your hair as well. She'll make you look real handsome."
Time to find mom.